Madurai (Tamil Nadu) [India], March 7 (ANI): Devotees in Madurai held a special prayer seeking India’s victory in the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand on Sunday. The ceremony took place at the Sri Maha Periyava Temple in the S.S. Colony area, under the guidance of Anushathin Anugraham.
Earlier, special abhishekams were performed on the idol of Maha Periyava and the silver padukas using turmeric, panchagavyam, milk, panchamirtham, honey, ghee, tender coconut water, sacred ash (vibhuti), sandalwood, and other offerings. The deity was decorated, followed by deeparadhana, while devotees offered prayers with a flex board featuring Indian cricket players, lit lamps, and chanted slogans of “All the Best India.”
India will face New Zealand at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, as strong favourites, bolstered by home advantage and a recent winning record in ICC white-ball tournaments. In the semi-final, India defeated England at Wankhede Stadium, marking their fourth ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final appearance, the most by any team.
New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner, reached the final after defeating South Africa at Eden Gardens, with opener Finn Allen scoring an unbeaten century. India and New Zealand have met five times in ICC knockout matches, with India winning the last two encounters.
As defending champions, India aims for a record third T20 World Cup title, while New Zealand seeks their first.